I cringe when I hear the word “Social Medicine” because I firmly believe in the power of the free market to perform its magic and create opportunity.  However the current state of health care in our country is not a free market…..

There is lot of rhetoric being used by our Congress and Senate regarding health care reform

To me health care reform is personal. I have been blessed with an employer who provides good health insurance coverage with several options to its employees.  However, I have seen my personal insurance cost go up nearly every year and my coverage decline.  Even with these excellent benefits I have had health cost issues associated with my closest family members that wiped out my personal savings and caused me to go in debt. 

 My Mother-in-law (a minister throughout most of her life and one of the strongest wisest people I have ever met) was not covered when she suffered an onslaught of health issues that left her blind, crippled, and without kidney function.  It took my wife over 3 years to get some of her health care costs covered by government programs.  By this time my mother in law had spent her savings, and we had spent a significant part of ours.  The financial damages were devastating to my family but we have no regrets or second thoughts about what we did.  We were fortunate because we had the means to, in the very least, pay the minimums to maintain quality healthcare until her passing.  I cannot imagine how someone earning minimum wage or unemployed could have achieved this.

 I dread the day when my children turn 24 and have to purchase private plans for themselves.  Many of my friends who have had this happen tell me the cost is extreme and the coverage is minimal, in most cases only covering major accidents.

 Something must be done to fix this mess.  I encourage you to listen closely to the Congressional debate and learn all you can about the current reform being considered, learn from both parties.  Don’t shut anyone’s opinion off, but don’t let emotional words from political action committees, “talking heads” or “ideologues” influence what will be best for you and your loved ones.

 Please understand that an obscene amount of money is being spent by the health care industry to lobby your Congress…Costs that will be passed on to you in the cost of your health insurance if you’re fortunate enough to have it.  This industry is not lobbying your

Congress with you and your loved ones personal healthcare in mind.Consider these words recently spoken by Wendell Potter former vice president of Cigna turned health care reform advocate.

 “They are trying to make you worry and fear a government bureaucrat being
between you and your doctor. What you have now is a corporate
bureaucrat between you and your doctor.”

 I don’t want any bureaucrat making personal decisions that should be left to my doctor and me.

 Randy

“Common Sense for a Change”

As the sad anniversary of the senseless act of hatred against our friends and neighbors at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC) came around, Cindy and I felt we should pay our respect to those brave members of the congregation who lost so much one year ago.  While we are not Unitarian Universalists we wanted to attend the Sunday service to pay our respects and we fully expected it to be melancholy and sobering…

Wow were we surprised!

The good people in this Church “raised the roof”, rejoiced and sent a message of love and hope.  A tingle went up my spine as I listened to the joyful music and the powerful sermon of forgiveness, hope and love delivered by Reverend Buice.  I had not realized until today the outpouring of love that came from our community to this Church and its congregation over the past year. It made me proud to be a Knoxvillian.

While the brothers and sisters at TVUUC still need our support, thoughts and prayers, I am convinced they are well on their way to recovery.

We should never forget the tragedy or the horrific act of selfish human hatred they suffered, but we should always look at the TVUUC in admiration for their courage and inner strength.

Thank you TVUUC and Reverend Buice you made this “Blue Dog” proud to be an American and a Christian.

God Bless you TVUUC on your spiritual journey, and, Amen Reverend Buice on your message ….“Let Freedom Ring” .  God Bless America!

Randy